The Ball State Student Government Association proudly announces “Countdown 2 Kickoff,” the official football pregame party beginning at 5 p.m., Thurs., Aug. 29, at Scheumann Stadium.

Collaborating with Ball State Athletics, University Program Board, Residence Hall Association, Black Student Association, Ball State Dining and WCRD Radio, the Student Government Association will be welcoming students through Gate 5 onto East Field two hours before kickoff.

“We think this is a great opportunity to bring together key organizations on campus to celebrate our football team’s proud traditions and get excited for its future successes,” says Ball State student body president Malachi Randolph.

Campus organizations will be offering a variety of activities ranging from tug-o-war to corn hole to inflatable games to competitive contests and free giveaways. WCRD will be broadcasting on location, as well as, providing music during the entirety of the event. Ball State Dining will be providing full dinners to students with meal plans who pre-register on the SGA website (www.bsu.edu/sga) by Aug. 25.

The event will be offered before each of the first five home games this season, but will not be available at the Nov. 29 contest. Though each week will boast different activities, Ball State Athletics thinks C2K will be a great way to drive student interest in the sports programs at the university.

“There is no disputing the atmosphere at Scheumann Stadium is greatly enhanced with increased attendance by Ball State students,” says Ball State director of intercollegiate athletics Bill Scholl. “Student attendance impacts the student-athlete experience, improves the sense of school spirit on our campus and can affect the outcome of the game. As an athletics department, we are happy to partner with SGA and all other student organizations on this student-run initiative. We believe it will help improve the student experience at our football games this year.”

The Cardinals open the 2013 season by hosting Illinois State at 7 p.m., Aug. 29. The theme for the game is “white out,” and all fans are encouraged to wear white. Students dressed in white will be able to participate in a student tunnel on the field as the team runs out at the start of the game.

Questions regarding “Countdown 2 Kickoff” can be directed to SGA@bsu.edu. Participants are also encouraged to interact with Ball State SGA on social media using the hashtag #C2K. Follow Ball State athletics on Twitter @bsuathletics.